pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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But I Say to You…

Reading: Matthew 5:38-39

Matthew 5:38…39 – “You have heard that it was said… But I say to you…”

In Matthew 5, verses 21-48, Jesus offers a regiving of some of the ten commandments and the Law. These interpretations are stricter, more far-reaching than the originals. Each set of teachings begins with the same phrase: “You have heard that it was said… But I say to you…”

Our passage for today falls in the section subtitled “The Law of Retaliation.” Yes, once upon a time Moses said, “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” Originally this law also included a life, a hand, a foot, a bruise, and a wound. God, through Moses, was limiting retaliation to a one for one exchange. Jesus says, though, do better than that. He teaches his disciples not to even oppose or later try to get back at those who “want to hurt you.” For example, he says, if someone slaps you on the cheek, don’t slap or hit back. Instead, offer them the other cheek too. Here we see the seeds of the nonviolence common to some faith traditions.

This teaching also includes the idea of giving your shirt when that is being asked if you in court – and give them your coat too. Or if someone forces you to carry their load for a mile, go two miles instead. The practices of righteousness, humble service, and generosity are being extended beyond what many would say are the bare minimum.

Let us imagine what this might look like today. If a poor person asks you for $5, do we hear, “But I say to you, give them $20?” If your neighbor needs milk and bread, do we hear, “But I say to you, buy some cereal and PB&J too?” If another parents asks you to watch their kids one evening, do we hear, “But I say to you, go ahead and keep them overnight?” How might you hear the Holy Spirit speak this week as you seek to apply this idea to your context and life?

Prayer: Lord God , when we are tempted to get even or to plot our revenge, remind us of these words of Jesus. And when we want to hold too tightly to our time, to our stuff, to our talents, pry open our hearts and our hands. Thank you, generous and humble one. Amen.


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As Jesus First Loved

Reading: John 13 and 14

John 13:34 – “I give you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, so you must love each other.”

As his time nears, Jesus demonstrates humble service, a form of love. During the meal, Jesus washes the disciples’ feet. This dirty job was normally done by a slave. Peter, recognizing the upside-down nature of what’s happening, protests Jesus washing his feet. Jesus persuades him and later explains that if the Lord and teacher washes feet, so too must they. This is a practical example of what Jesus says later in chapter 13: “I give you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, so you must love each other.” Love will do anything for the other.

This commandment comes after it is revealed that Judas is the betrayer. Jesus then tells Judas to do it quickly. Judas exits into the night. Jesus tells the disciples that they cannot go where he is going right now. One day they will. Peter declares, “Lord… I’ll give up my life for you.” No, Jesus says, first you’ll deny me three times – “before the rooster crows.”

Jesus offers words of great assurance and comfort in chapter 14. Calling them to trust over fear, Jesus tells them there is a room in heaven prepared for them. One day he will take them to dwell with him there in eternity. Because Jesus lives on, they too will live on. Into their confusion Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” Jesus assures them that they know the way because they have seen the Father and have heard the Father’s words, both revealed in and through Jesus. Because of this, whatever they ask in his name, it will be given to them.

Jesus then promises them the Companion – the Holy Spirit. Jesus and God “will come… and make our home with them.” Dwelling in the heart of all believers, the Spirit will teach and remind us of the words, will, and way of Jesus. Through this, the Spirit will empower believers to live as Jesus first loved us. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, today we see that loving as you loved involves doing the lowly yet simple as well as the costly and sacrificial. Your love knows no bounds, no limits, no conditions. Through the indwelling power and presence of the Holy Spirit may we love as you have loved each day. Amen.


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Theological Concerns

Readings: Deuteronomy 17, Deuteronomy 18, Deuteronomy 19, Deuteronomy 20

Deuteronomy 18:15 – “The LORD your God will raise up a prophet like me from your community… He’s the one you must listen to.”

Chapter 17 deals with a variety of topics: capital punishment, legal disputes, and future kings. In capital punishment cases, multiple witnesses are necessary. If these cases or other legal disputes are too hard, they are to be brought to the priests and judges in the city God will choose. These decisions must be followed exactly. Then God gives guidelines for future kings. They will be different from other earthly kings – not too many horses or wives. And they will personally make a copy of the Law that they must read daily. God’s theological concern is for a theocracy.

Chapter 18 ensures that the basic needs of the Levites are cared for. It lays out what portions of what offerings belong to the priests. This chapter concludes with God’s concern about future religious leaders. God says, “The LORD your God will raise up a prophet like me from your community… He’s the one you must listen to.” Of all the voices that can speak into people’s lives, God’s prophet is the one that they need to listen to.

As we turn to chapters 19 and 20 the underlying focus shifts to the sixth of the Ten Commandments: do not kill. Chapter 19 focuses mostly on the cities of refuge. Three are to be established in the Promised Land. They are places for those who “kill a neighbor accidentally.” These cuties will prevent the shedding of more innocent blood. The end of the chapter, “life for life, eye for eye…” also limits revenge. The punishment must fit the crime.

Chapter 20 deals with a theological concern too – the command not to kill during times of war. The chapter begins with the priest’s role to remind the troops that God goes before them and that God will fight for them. Then it defines the official’s role next. Permissions are given to leave the battle front. Then we get two sets of guidelines for war in the Promised Land and for war outside the Promised Land. Close to home, no peace terms are offered, and all living things are killed. This is all about the theological threat of idolatry. “The ban” removes even the possibility of influences that could lead to the sin of idolatry.

Prayer: Lord God, there are many ways that we can honor those who are older and those in power. They all involve justice, integrity, and obedience to you. Guide us in these situations and also teach us how to be people in these places. We see that these same principles apply to our living in community. Lead us here too. Amen.


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Total, Complete, Unfailing Love

Readings: Deuteronomy 5, Deuteronomy 6, Deuteronomy 7, Deuteronomy 8

Deuteronomy 6:5 – “Love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your being, and all your strength.”

Our readings today begin with Moses’ call to remember what God said on Mount Horeb. He then reviews this by reiterating the Ten Commandments. Moses is doing so because he will spend most of the next 20 chapters unpacking these ten rules to live by. From here Moses moves to “the great commandment” in chapter 6. In verse 5 we read it: “Love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your being, and all your strength.” In many ways this sums up the first four of the 10 Commandments. Moses goes on to show just how all-encompassing this command is to be for faithful living. Tell your children, talk about it all the time, write it on the places that you’ll see often – make this the central tenet of your faith and your life.

This is then followed up with a warning against arrogance. All the cities and houses, all the wells and orchards – you didn’t do this. God gave it to you. A similar warning comes in chapter 8 too. God must have known we’d struggle with pride, ego, vanity… Love God, not self.

Moses/God commands the Israelites to teach their children their communal history and then to teach them the Law. Begin with the why and then move to the how to live faithfully in response to God’s love and care and provision. We shift next to how to deal with foreign worship. First, don’t enter into covenants with and don’t intermarry with the Canaanites. Destroy their idols, altars, poles, and sacred stones. The Lord is the only true God. Remember and live this and God will bless them in every way possible. In every way.

Chapter 8 is a reminder chapter, a why chapter. Remember God gave you manna and taught you that you don’t live by physical bread alone. Remember that God trooped you through the desert for 40 years and that your clothes didn’t wear out. Remember all that has happened to you as you stand on the edge of the Promised Land. This remembering will allow Israel to move forward in obedience and faithfulness. May we too remember often what the Lord our God has done for us. And may it lead us forward in obedience and faithfulness.

Prayer: Lord God, what rich and deep and powerful reminders today of your total and complete and unfailing love and care for your people. At times you are the shield about us and at times you are the love that enfolds us. What an awesome God we love and serve. All the power and glory are yours! Amen.


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The Two “Greats”

Reading: Matthew 28:18-20

Verse 19: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

Today’s text contains what is known as the “Great Commission.” It is Jesus’ charge to the disciples to continue the work that he started. As we read or hear these words, the same charge applies to us today. Jesus says to all who believe in him as Lord and Savior: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

These powerful words call us to action, to movement, to going out into the world to witness to and to share the good news of Jesus Christ. At times, as Christians, as we have sought to live out these words, we have forgotten the intent and we have set aside the model that Jesus gave us for living out these words. At times we have sidestepped the Great Commandment – to live God with all that we are and to love neighbor as self – as we have sought to “make disciples.” In many cases we have sought to transform them into our expected image or standard instead of into Jesus’.

When Jesus says, “teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” he is calling the disciples and us to live first and foremost. Love does not coerce or manipulate; it does not force or overpower. Love changes hearts and lives through relationship and connection. It changes people into disciples by teaching them kindness, grace, forgiveness, mercy, compassion… As we seek to live out both the great commandment and the great commission, may we hold tightly to both.

Prayer: Lord God, help me to cling to both “greats” each day and with each person I meet. Use me to reflect Christ’s love into the world and into people’s lives. Use me to make disciples even if I do not speak a word. Amen.


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Above All, Love

Reading: Exodus 20: 1-17

Verse 8: “Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy”.

Photo credit: Aaron Burden

Our passage today is familiar to many people. When one says “the Ten Commandments” almost everyone has an idea of what you’re talking about and some people can name a few of them. The first part of the Ten Commandments is about our relationship with God and the last part is about our relationships with one another. The first three help us to remember who and what God is as we seek to honor and worship God. The last six define boundaries or morals for how we are to live with and treat each other.

I have always included the fourth commandment with the first three when considering the structure and organization of the Ten Commandments. This morning I read about the idea that #4 connects or “bridges” the other commandments. Simply put the fourth is: “Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy”. For most Jews the Sabbath would be Saturday. Its Sunday for most Christians. Other days can be the Sabbath too. Mine tends to be Friday. I’ve always understood this commandment to be about taking time to connect to God and to give our bodies and souls a day of rest and renewal. It is all this, yes. But this commandment also limits our drive to overwork and it counters our fleshy tendency to set priorities according to the world’s norms instead of God’s. It protects those we might otherwise exploit for our own gain. It reminds us that we are not in control of everything. It joins us with our brothers and sisters in turning towards the Lord our God.

Taken as a whole the Ten Commandments are rooted in love. The Ten are about loving God, loving others, and loving self. On this Sabbath day, may we love well.

Prayer: Dear God, above all else may I love today. May my love for you and for the other be complete and full today. In turn, guide me to love myself too. Amen.


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Practicing #1 and #2

Reading: Matthew 23: 1-12

Verse 3: “Do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach”.

Jesus has been ministering for about three years at this point. He has had ample opportunities to interact with and to observe the scribes and Pharisees. Jesus and these religious leaders have the same audience, teach from the same source materials, live in the same society. Much like today, when you can get two radically different approaches from two medical experts concerning the safest way to live in these pandemic times, Jesus and the religious leaders had so much in common, but they differed radically in how best to follow God.

The religious leaders occupy a place – “the Moses seat” – that calls for respect and gives them authority, a platform from which to speak into the people’s lives. But this is an earthly platform, given to them by other earthly people. As is the case with many earthly positions of power, they were beholding to others. The leader of the group, the high priest, was appointed by the Romans. There were certain expectations that came with the appointment. The religious leaders were subject to the high priest, which also connected them to the political power of the day. Because these religious leaders held a place of authority, they could exert control over the people. Jesus acknowledges this place of authority. While he recognizes their place of authority, he does not agree with their practices. To this point, in verse three he says: “Do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach”. They say one thing and do another. They pick and choose what to say based on their current situation. For example, the religious leaders preach about loving your neighbor, but there are many they do not see as neighbors – the Gentiles, the sinners, the sick…

Jesus, by contrast, teaches and practices the belief that everyone is your neighbor. Jesus teaches it and then goes out and live it, loving the lepers and the blind, the tax collectors and the prostitutes… Jesus practices what he preaches, with love as the greatestest commandment of his faith. The religious leaders would cute law #217 or good old #359 (the one that previous religious leaders had made up) to avoid loving certain people. Jesus, instead would preach and practice #1 and #2, loving God and loving neighbor, in their rightful place: first and foremost. As we consider Jesus’ example, may we also do the same as we seek to live out, to actually practice, loving God and loving neighbor above all else. May we be love in the world today.

Prayer: God of love, when I look at Jesus, I see one who did as he taught. He loved one and all, yes, but he loved you most of all. Each day, guide me to live this out, loving you with all that I am, allowing that to lead me to really love others more than myself. Amen.


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Living or Practicing?

Reading: Matthew 22: 34-46

Verse 36: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law”?

If one spends some time reading the Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John – one sees that the religious leaders and Jesus did not always see eye to eye. As the tension between Jesus and the Pharisees, Sadducees, and others in the religious circles increases, these religious power holders begin to look for ways to discredit Jesus. As these attempts fail, they begin to plot to eliminate him. Today’s testing of Jesus begins with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law”?

Much like he did with last week’s question about paying taxes, Jesus gives two answers to this week’s question. Often we too ask pointed questions, ones worded just the right way to force the answer we want to hear. The religious leaders think they know the correct answer to their question. And, in fact, Jesus begins with their correct answer: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind”. Quoting from Deuteronomy 6, Jesus gives the #1 answer. From even the religious leaders perspective, keeping this commandment is essential to keeping all the rest. To possibly keep all 600+ commandments found in the law, one must love God with all of one’s being. To keep them all, of course, is impossible (except for Jesus). This aim or focus became the goal for the religious leaders, especially the Pharisees. It became so much their focus that Jesus had to add the second commandment to his answer.

Quoting from Leviticus 19, Jesus adds, “Love your neighbor as yourself”. This commandment takes the love of God and puts it into action, into motion, takes out into the world. Here we begin to see the source of the tension between Jesus and the religious leaders. They were all about knowing and following the laws. Jesus was all about knowing and applying or living out the law. Jesus chose not to live by the letter of the law but by the spirit of the law. He lived out his faith. The religious leaders practiced theirs. As we too face this decision, may we choose to allow the word of God to bring life and feet to our faith as we seek to model Jesus for others.

Prayer: Lord God, it is so much easier to just read and study and even to appreciate the life of Jesus rather than to strive to live it out. So much easier. It is safe and comfortable and warm here at my desk, just down the road at the church. Jesus’ road is hard, it is narrow. Guide my heart to that road. Amen.


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Deep Personal Relationship

Reading: Exodus 20: 1-11

Verse One: “I am the Lord your God”.

The Ten Commandments are all about relationship. Initial glances may lead us to think they are about behavior. They are only to the degree that our behaviors influence our relationships. Today’s passage covers the first four commandments. These four deal with our relationship with God. They also reveal much about who God is and what God desires from us.

Our passage opens with a reminder: “I am the Lord your God”. This is a fact. It conveys authority. The first commandment flows out of this place: no other gods before God. God is to be the one thing we worship, the one we look to for all we need, the one who provides and guides. This exclusivity leads into the second commandment: no idols. Initially we think of little statues carved from wood or stone. But this commandment is so much bigger than that. In this way it ties back into the first. We can have many other gods in our lives. God knew this would be a struggle. Our biggest idol is often self. Most of our other idols in some way elevate our own wants and desires above God’s will for our life. In addition to self, our other gods can be power, possessions, control, pride, time, … and these can quickly become idols – things we worship or pursue or place ahead of our one true God.

The third commandment prohibits the misuse of God’s name. With this commandment we typically think of cursing. It is this but it is more. It can be using God’s name to try and help ourselves. It can be selfish prayers. Misuse can also be failure to use. Sometimes we fail to turn to God when we should. Sometimes we do not come to God in prayer, calling on His Almighty name. In this light, the third leads to the fourth.

The fourth commandment is to keep the Sabbath holy. God calls us to mirror what He did in creating the world. God knows our need for rest and to have a day set aside to worship God. All of this is good and well, but this commandment ultimately asks if we trust God. Can we stop the drive to succeed, the need to work, the want for “me time”, and such to simply rest and trust in God? Can we rest in Him, trusting that God has our back?

“I am the Lord your God”. He is indeed. He desires an exclusive, intimate relationship with each of us. May all we do and say and think this day reflect our deep personal relationship with God.


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These Two Commandments

Reading: Matthew 22: 34-40

Key verse: Which is the greatest commandment in the Law?

The Pharisees come once again to test Jesus.  An expert in the Law asks Jesus, “Which is the greatest commandment in the Law”?  The Pharisees are all thinking of the Ten Commandments.  There is much debate over which of the Ten is the most important.  Will Jesus pick one of them dealing with our relationship with God or will He pick one dealing with our relationship with each other?  In the Pharisees’ minds, it does not really matter which one Jesus picks.  They know that whichever one Jesus picks, He will alienate more people than He pleases.  They are seeking to once again corner Jesus and to discredit Him with those who follow or are considering following Him.

But Jesus does not pick #1 or #8 or #3.  Instead, Jesus picks from outside the Ten.  Jesus taps into another sacred piece of the Jewish faith.  Jesus quotes two verses, one from Deuteronomy that forms the central part of the twice-daily prayer called the Shema.  The Shema was a memorized prayer that was used each morning and evening.  When Jesus said to “love the Lord your God” with all your heart, soul, and mind, He would have struck a chord with all listening that day.  Smiles would have come to all the faces except the Pharisees.

But Jesus does not end here.  He adds a second commandment.  It is almost as well known.  He adds, “love your neighbor as yourself”.  There is much scriptural support for this choice as well.  Jesus is quoting from Leviticus and this theme runs throughout the scriptures and the Law.  To love all whom God created is a natural extension of loving the Creator.  Again, smiles on almost all of the faces.

Jesus ends with this summary statement: “All the Law and Prophets hang on these two”.  Follow these two commandments – love God and love neighbor – and all else will fall in line.  Jesus’ words are as true today as the day He spoke them.  Every day may we seek to love God and neighbor with all we are – heart, soul, mind, and strength.  May it be so!